Deputy Coroner

Island County•Coupeville Campus, WA

About The Position

The Deputy Coroner is appointed by the Coroner and has the authority to perform acts the Coroner is authorized to perform. The position handles confidential and highly sensitive information and collects evidence for legal investigations, with technical responsibilities that include histology, cytology, radiology, photography, evidence collection, identification, and disposition. It prepares the examination room and decedents for autopsy, attends to pre-autopsy details, maintains supplies and inventories, and ensures the cleanliness of the morgue and office. Under the supervision of the Coroner, the Deputy Coroner conducts death investigations and assists the forensic pathologist with autopsies to determine cause and manner of death, time of death, and decedent identification. The role may also provide clerical and family assistance. It requires extensive oral communication with staff, agencies, the public, and grieving families, as well as written correspondence and technical report writing. The position may be hired at the Deputy Coroner in Training, Deputy Coroner, or Deputy Coroner with Certification level, depending on qualifications. A Deputy Coroner in Training may be promoted upon demonstrating the ability to work as an independent investigator. The employee must obtain certification through the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators within two years of employment to qualify for promotion to Deputy Coroner with Certification. Promotions are at the discretion of the County Coroner.

Requirements

Maintain confidential and highly sensitive information.
Know applicable laws and standard practices related to the duties of the Coroner’s Office, including applicable HIPAA regulations and state confidentiality laws.
Have interpersonal skills to deal effectively with grieving families and others requiring services.
Develop and maintain good working relations with Office staff, county employees, agencies, the public, and the media.
Be able to conduct investigations, assist with autopsies, and assist in determining cause and manner of death, time of death, and decedent identification.
Have excellent oral and written communication skills and prepare thorough, organized, clearly presented investigation reports.
Convey medical and technical information in a way the audience can understand.
Work independently and cooperatively, multitask, and meet deadlines.
Exercise judgment and discretion with sensitive or confidential matters.
Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and be able to drive safely.
Operate a computer with office and case-associated software and standard office equipment.
Use instruments required for forensic autopsies, external examinations, and evidence collection.
Use photographic and video equipment to document investigations.
Use equipment needed to recover decedents from varying environments.
Use appropriate personal protective gear for extended periods and in hazardous conditions.
Obtain basic knowledge of medicolegal death investigations and maintain continuing education.
Be legally authorized to work in the United States; Island County does not provide visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

A two-year degree from an accredited college or university in biology, physiology, forensic studies, anatomy, or medical disciplines; preferred but not required.
A minimum of one year of experience in death investigation, or a combination of education and experience that provides the skills to perform the job.
Familiarity with applicable Washington State and federal statutes.

Responsibilities

Receive and process notifications of death.
Respond to death scenes when deemed necessary.
Determine whether a case falls under the Coroner’s jurisdiction and whether an autopsy or other case-specific procedures are needed.
Conduct death scene investigations to determine circumstances surrounding death, time of death, decedent identification, and probable cause of death.
Collect medical and psychiatric records and demographic information.
Transport, secure, store, and transfer human remains and evidence.
Locate and notify next of kin and release decedents to funeral services.
Assist with forensic autopsies, including preparation of the morgue and the body.
Assist with collection and preservation of biological evidence for criminal and civil cases.
Prepare bodies for release and perform other technical medical tasks.
Write comprehensive investigation reports supporting determinations of cause and manner of death, time of death, and decedent identification.
Maintain morgue cleanliness and appropriate supplies and instruments.
Perform clerical functions, including maintaining case files, logs, records, and office correspondence.
Consult and collaborate with other agencies.
Testify in court regarding cause and manner of death, time of death, and decedent identification.
Participate in staff meetings, provide work guidance and plans of action, and attend trainings.
Keep current with codes and legal changes pertaining to the Office.
Prepare for and obtain professional certification through the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators.
Perform other duties as assigned.